Sonnet 43 (Elizabeth Barrett Browning)

Sonnet 43 by Elizabeth Barrett Browning is a passionate declaration of love from the speaker to their beloved. The speaker expresses the depth and intensity of their love, claiming that they love their beloved with every breath, every moment, and every aspect of their being. Through vivid imagery and emotive language, the speaker portrays their love as all-encompassing and eternal, transcending time and space. The poem celebrates the transformative power of love, portraying it as a source of strength and comfort in the face of adversity. You can read the poem below and find analysis further down the page.

Sonnet 43 by Elizabeth Barrett Browning

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways! –

 I love thee to the depth and breadth and height

 My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight

 For the ends of Being and Ideal Grace.

 I love thee to the level of everyday’s

 Most quiet need, by sun and candlelight –

 I love thee freely, as men strive for Right, –

 I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise;

 I love thee with the passion, put to use                    

 In my old griefs, … and with my childhood’s faith:

 I love thee with the love I seemed to lose

 With my lost Saints, – I love thee with the breath,

 Smiles, tears, of all my life! – and, if God choose,

 I shall but love thee better after death.

Analysis

Themes:

Love and Devotion: Elizabeth Barrett Browning explores the theme of love and devotion, portraying the speaker's profound and unwavering love for their beloved.

Intensity and Passion: The poem delves into the theme of intensity and passion in love, highlighting the speaker's overwhelming emotions and deep-seated feelings for their beloved.

Timelessness and Eternal Love: "Sonnet 43" celebrates the theme of timelessness and eternal love, portraying love as a force that transcends the limitations of time and space.

Faith and Belief: The poem also touches upon the theme of faith and belief in love, as the speaker expresses their unwavering belief in the transformative power of love to overcome obstacles and challenges.

Language and Imagery:

 Elizabeth Barrett Browning uses rich and emotive language, coupled with vivid imagery, to convey the depth and intensity of the speaker's love. Phrases such as "I love thee to the depth and breadth and height" and "with my lost saints" create a sense of passion and devotion, highlighting the speaker's overwhelming emotions.

Tone and Mood: 

The tone of the poem is passionate and reverent, with a sense of awe and admiration underlying the speaker's words. The mood is one of intense emotion and longing, as the speaker expresses their profound love for their beloved.

Structure and Form: 

"Sonnet 43" is structured as a Petrarchan sonnet, with fourteen lines and a rhyme scheme of ABBAABBACDCDCD. This structured form enhances the poem's musicality and rhythm, reinforcing its theme of love and devotion.

Symbolism: 

The poem's use of imagery and symbolism serves to convey the depth and intensity of the speaker's love. References to "soul," "grace," and "faith" evoke religious imagery, highlighting the speaker's belief in the transformative power of love.

Narrative Perspective: 

The poem is narrated from the perspective of the speaker, offering readers insight into their thoughts and emotions as they express their love for their beloved. This perspective allows Barrett Browning to explore the complexities of love and devotion within the context of a romantic relationship.

Relevance to the Anthology:

"Sonnet 43" provides students with an opportunity to explore the theme of relationships from a romantic perspective, focusing on the speaker's intense passion and devotion for their beloved. The poem invites readers to consider the transformative power of love, highlighting its ability to transcend time and space and to provide strength and comfort in the face of adversity.

Conclusion:

Sonnet 43 by Elizabeth Barrett Browning is a passionate declaration of love, using rich language and vivid imagery to convey the depth and intensity of the speaker's emotions. Through the perspective of the speaker, Barrett Browning explores the theme of love and devotion, inviting readers to contemplate the transformative power of love within the context of the Edexcel Relationships Poetry Anthology.

You can find analysis of all the Edexcel Relationships Poetry Anthology Poems here.